When to change spark plugs?

[CajunMick]

I’ve changed plugs but I’ve also regapped them, used over. When I pulled them, checked the insulators. I still have the spark plug blasting, cleaning tool. Was mounted to wall, hook up air hiss, insert plugs, push the button. Cleans great. Just remember to blow out with air to remove any grit Inside. Yea, I know…old school stuff. But kept some plugs going!

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[NJBob]

Just my 2 sense...Bought my 22 EB Lariat 1st edition AWD used from a chevy dealer. Had 20k miles..With in 4 weeks I had ALL the fluids changed including the PTU (Power Transfer Unit in the front) and the RDU (Rear Drive Unit in the back). I'll also be changing the belts and having the tune up done at 60k miles. Something I've done for every vehicle I've owned for the past 20 years. My 2004 Toyota Matrix was sold with over 300k miles last year and our 2012 Kia Sorento which we still own has 135k miles and wouldn't hesitate driving anywhere no matter how far. Piece of mind is priceless

Who did the work. The dealer or an independent shop. Sometimes I wonder about both.

 

[Blkraven66]

Who did the work. The dealer or an independent shop. Sometimes I wonder about both.

I did not change them yet . I've got 61400 miles on the original ones and just wanted some input. I'll due them before winter. I'll have my son do the work.. ...he's a mechanic.

 

[Cigargoyle]

Changed mine yesterday @ 54k. Ground electrodes had visible wear.

 

[NJBob]

I did not change them yet . I've got 61400 miles on the original ones and just wanted some input. I'll due them before winter. I'll have my son do the work.. ...he's a mechanic.

Ok was more interested in the fluids. I trust a independent mechanic to do that but not so much the fluids. Like the pdu.

 

[HeyBales]

I did not change them yet . I've got 61400 miles on the original ones and just wanted some input. I'll due them before winter. I'll have my son do the work.. ...he's a mechanic.

@NJBob was actually asking @tciotti2003 - you guys got cross-threaded.

Which isn't good for spark plugs obviously - not sure about spark plug thread....

 

[trumpet77]

as a student in Automotive Technology, I can only say that the anti-seize debate varies by manufacturers, so ideally you read the specs for your particular brand/model from a reliable source. But yeah, we have things in our school where the book answer says "A", but our instructors let us know that everyone does "B". Your mileage may vary, and my advice is worth what you paid for it!

 

[tciotti2003]

Who did the work. The dealer or an independent shop. Sometimes I wonder about both.

I have a shop that I've had my work done for years here in the valley in Az. I trust them but know what your're saying

 

[Smitty]

Change at 60k so you can get them out ok. Plugs are pretty affordable . I waited on my Honda till 100 k and a couple threads of the head came out with the plug. The no anti- seize club is a small membership. Torque to feel is fine, or use a wrench, your style is ok for you. I’ve seen a tech put in plugs with an impact wrench…scared the heck out of me…

Also put dielectric grease on the boot as well.

always use never seize on plugs with aluminum heads

 

[raceman94]

Any signs that your spark plugs are going bad?

 

[Cherokee]

Iridium plugs.

My actual experience, with iridium’s.
At 160,000 miles in my 2013 V-6 F-150 that I worked the shit out of my iridium plugs looked brand new. Any burn marks on the glass insulator or wear down on the iridium tip they need changing regardless of the miles.
The truck drove like new, the plugs stayed in.
Sold it to my Ford car salesman so ge could move his daughter to college.
He replaced the plugs at 180,000 miles and felt no performance gains.

Again ! I took a Toyota Tacoma to 528,000 trouble free miles on three sets of iridium plugs.


It’s your money ….

I’ll inspect mine at 100,000

This reminds me of the wasted oil, full synthetic oil changes at 3,000 miles that some still think is needed.
At 3,000 under harsh conditions a good full synthetics oil additive package is likely still at 65-75% it’s no good at 20% btw.
What a waste.

 

[Tbone289]

Any signs that your spark plugs are going bad?

A drop in efficiency and hesitation at low rpm are early signs that you've not replaced them early enough. Replace them at 50K-75K miles, and you'll never experience any symptoms. A later symptom is cold misfires. If you're noticing any of these symptoms, you've waited too long.

 

[raceman94]

A drop in efficiency and hesitation at low rpm are early signs that you've not replaced them early enough. Replace them at 50K-75K miles, and you'll never experience any symptoms. A later symptom is cold misfires. If you're noticing any of these symptoms, you've waited too long.

So crappy MPG could be a result from bad spark plugs too?

 

[Tbone289]

So crappy MPG could be a result from bad spark plugs too?

Yes, if they're worn enough.

 

[raceman94]

Yes, if they're worn enough.

Thanks. I've noted MPG has been a bit down, not terribly, but it doesn't seem as efficient as it's usually been. Truck it at almost 60k, so it might be worth looking into.

Thanks!

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